Fierce street fighting continues in Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, as Russian forces advance on the strategic city, much of which lies in ruins. Ukraine’s general staff denied claims that its troops were encircled, but analysts warn the situation is deteriorating, with Russian forces only a few kilometres from surrounding Ukrainian positions. Kyiv deployed special forces in a daring operation to shift momentum, but the effort has … Continue reading Russian forces appear to tighten grip on strategic city of Pokrovsk

Typhoon Kalmaegi has killed at least 66 people and left 26 missing in the central Philippines, with widespread flooding trapping residents on rooftops and sweeping away vehicles. Six of the fatalities occurred when a Philippine Air Force helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur while en route to provide disaster relief. Cebu province, still recovering from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in late September, was hardest hit, prompting … Continue reading Typhoon Kalmaegi death toll rises to 66 as widespread flooding hits central Philippines

Gaza’s largest functioning hospital received the bodies of 15 more Palestinians returned from Israel, continuing exchanges outlined in last month’s fragile ceasefire. Since the U.S.-brokered agreement, the International Committee of the Red Cross has transported 285 bodies to Gaza, though identifying them is hindered by limited DNA testing. The returns coincide with Israel receiving the body of Itay Chen, an Israeli soldier killed in the … Continue reading Israel returns bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza

Prosecutors in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore have seized hundreds of millions of dollars in assets belonging to Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi, accused by the U.S. of leading a global cyber-scam syndicate. Chen, founder of Prince Holding Group, faces U.S. charges of wire fraud and money laundering, alongside a massive seizure of $14 billion in bitcoin, and joint sanctions from the U.S. and U.K. authorities. … Continue reading Prosecutors seize yachts, luxury cars from man accused of running Cambodia cyberscams

Japan has deployed troops to Akita Prefecture to help manage a surge in bear attacks, which have injured over 100 people and killed at least 12 since April. Both brown bears and Asiatic black bears have been increasingly seen near schools, train stations, supermarkets, and hot springs as they forage ahead of hibernation. The operation involves soldiers setting up food-lured box traps, transporting local hunters, … Continue reading Japan deploys the military to counter a surge in bear attacks

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the police operation against Rio de Janeiro’s Red Command gang, which left 121 dead, “a massacre.” The raid involved thousands of officers clashing with heavily armed gang members who reportedly used drones dropping explosives. Police identified 99 of the dead as criminals, including 42 with active arrest warrants, though the operation also claimed some police lives. The … Continue reading Brazil’s president calls for investigation after 121 killed in police operation against gang

A man drove his car into pedestrians and cyclists on France’s Ile d’Oléron on Wednesday morning, injuring at least ten people, four critically. The 35-year-old local suspect, known to police for prior behavioral and alcohol issues, shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack, intentionally set his vehicle on fire, and was subdued with a stun gun before being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The rampage … Continue reading Driver ‘shouting Allahu Akbar’ ploughs into crowd on French holiday island

Central Vietnam is grappling with severe floods and landslides that have killed at least 37 people, displaced tens of thousands, and left many areas without power or communication. Heavy rains in late October inundated villages, swept away homes, and blocked major highways, while rivers in Hue City reached dangerous levels. Rescuers and aid workers have delivered food, water, medicine, and shelter, and are helping restore … Continue reading Vietnam flood death toll rises to 37